PETZL TIKKA RXP Headlamp [Review + Video]

An excellent headlamp for runners – with Reactive Light Technology for extended battery life.

[Last updated: 14 February 2018]

The PETZL TIKKA RXP is the second headlamp (headtorch) I’m reviewing for the night running crowd. The first was the FENIX HP25 found here. See all our headlamp reviews here in our Headlamp Playlist >.

This headlamp is considerably advanced compared to the Fenix headlamp. The first feature that stands out is the comfort of the device worn on the head. The straps are soft, the plastic guides that hold the strap are contoured to feel better on the head – and they certainly do. There is thicker padding in the strap at the forehead where the bulk of the weight lays for this headlamp. All these serve to make the PETZL TIKKA RXP quite comfortable and easy to wear for long duration – hours, and days at a time.

The TIKKA RXP has been updated dramatically – the new Petzl REACTIK is here:

QUESTIONS FOR PETZL TIKKA RXP VIDEO

WHAT IS THE PRICE OF THIS HEADLAMP?

Less than $100 right now for the Coral colored light plus shipping. and the black colored unit is even cheaper.

Where is it made? Started in France by Fernand Petzl. Then made in Malaysia. Now made in Bulgaria.

WHAT IS THE GUARANTEE?

Headlamp – 3 years.
Rechargeable Battery – 1 year.

WHAT ARE COLOR OPTIONS?

Black; Coral

WHAT IS THE WATER RESISTANCE RATING?

IPX-4

SO, IS THE PETZL TIKKA WATERPROOF?

Sort of. It is splash-proof. The test duration was 5 minutes with 10 liters of water per minute at 50-150 kPa pressure.

Submersion?

No.

WHAT IS THE WEIGHT?

115 grams with the battery – very light compared to the FENIX HP25 at 300 g. YOU CAN SEE THAT REVIEW HERE (and, LINK ANNOTATION)

WHAT IS THE MAX LUMENS?

215

WHAT IS PETZL’s PROPRIETARY REACTIVE LIGHTING TECHNOLOGY?

The headlamp automatically adjusts the beam strength and profile, based on what you’re looking at – to conserve battery, but also gives you “smart” technology which adjusts the beam to what you’re doing so you don’t need to think about it.

WHICH TECHNOLOGY IS USED IN THE BATTERY?

WHAT MATERIAL IS THE LIGHT AND BATTERY PACK MADE WITH?

IS THERE A RUBBER GASKET AROUND THE BATTERY COMPARTMENT TO SEAL IT FROM WATER?

No. There is a seal around the electronic contacts where the battery meets the headlamp. The battery is solid plastic otherwise and sealed from water.

ARE THE STRAPS ON THE PETZL TIKKA RXP ELASTIC?

Yes, but not in the area which holds the headlamp.

ARE THE STRAPS COMFORTABLE?

Yes, very comfortable considering the headlamp is so lightweight.

HOW MANY LIGHT COMBINATIONS ARE POSSIBLE?

In RLT there is a wide range of levels the light can adjust to – not infinite, but very high number of combinations. In manual setting, there is Low flood, Med flood + Low Spot, and High Spot + High Flood.

There is also a red-light (infrared mode) which is either on, or blinking.

DOES THE PETZL TIKKA REMEMBER THE LAST BRIGHTNESS SETTING?

No!

HOW LONG DOES THE BATTERY TAKE TO RECHARGE?

4-5 hours.

HOW LONG WILL THE PETZL TIKKA LAST AT FULL BATTERY POWER IN MANUAL SETTING?

Minimum of 2.5 hours.

HOW LONG WILL IT LAST AT THE WEAKEST REACTIVE LIGHTING SETTING?

At 80 lumens the light will last a minimum of 10 hours and give light from 0-70 meters.

HOW LONG WILL IT LAST AT THE STRONGEST REACTIVE LIGHTING SETTING?

2.5 hours minimum.

IS THERE A RESERVE MODE?

Yes, it will last one hour and give you 25 lumens of brightness for an emergency.

DOES THE HEADLAMP FEEL HEAVY ON THE HEAD?

No, not at all, and probably not even after 10 hours of wearing it. it.

HOW MANY TILT LEVELS DOES THE LIGHT HAVE?

5

DOES THE BATTERY PACK GET HOT DURING USE?

No.

DO THE LIGHTS GET HOT DURING USE?

Yes. Be careful with your fingers around the bulbs.

IS THE PETZL TIKKA GOOD FOR RUNNING?

Very good for running at night until it starts raining. The water rating on this headlamp is rather weak and you wouldn’t want to trust it as your only option on a long hike or trail run.

IS THE PETZL GOOD FOR HIKING?

Yes, very good for hiking but if you’re going to be using it at night a lot, you will probably want to either get the additional AAA battery insert, or an extra rechargeable lithium-ion battery or two.

Upgrade to Petzl Tikka RXP is now out… it is the PETZL REACTIK+. Strongly recommended.

If you’re in the market for a higher-end headlamp, we have a group of 4 or so that we are recommending at our NEW SITE.